Country music icon Glen Campbell passed away at the age of 81 Tuesday after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Campbell notched 21 Top 40 hits over the course of his career, including “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Wichita Lineman” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix.” An accomplished guitarist, he was also a member of L.A.’s vaunted Wrecking Crew, which backed the likes of Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, The Byrds, and The Righteous Brothers on some of their biggest singles.
As Rolling Stone notes, Campbell appeared on 586 tracks in 1963 alone, and filled in for Brian Wilson in The Beach Boys in 1964 after Wilson had a nervous breakdown.
Campbell has eight children from four marriages, and struggled with alcoholism and cocaine addiction throughout his life. During his battle with Alzheimer’s, he allowed a film crew to tail him during his final tour, which resulted in the touching documentary I’ll Be Me.
In one of his last radio interviews, Arizona resident and frequent guest on Johnjay and Rich, Country Great, Glen Campbell, spent a little time on the phone with Johnjay And Rich, discussing living next to Johnjay’s father-in-law and Rich’s obsession with all things, Rhinestone Cowboy.
He agreed on the spot to sing along with the show while Rich played guitar for him. This is a peak at the generous spirit and constant showmanship of one of music’s most legendary heroes.
Thanks for the music and memories, Glen. May you rest in Peace.